Zuka Artful Accessories began as a self taught interest, passion, and obsession to create fashion forward costume jewelry for myself. I have always had a tremendous interest in the Fashion Industry and working creatively with beads and crystals. I soon discovered that family and friends enjoyed my designs, so I began creating designs for them as well. In 1996 a local Vancouver Fashion Designer and Stylist commissioned me to create some pieces to showcase with her collection. That gave me the confidence to officially start my business, Zuka Artful Accessories.

Zuka is a Swahili word meaning, "to appear suddenly" and I certainly feel that Zuka has achieved that. I had no idea that I could ever be an entrepreneur, and I worked the next three years in developing and refining my lines, while still working part-time for a law firm. By the year 2000, the time had come to completely take the plunge and to quit my job and work on Zuka Full Time. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Zuka started as a small, part-time, self-financed company and now has 6 employees and is located in over 50 stores in North America.

I am very happy that people have been supportive of my work, which has now appeared in Canadian Press like Vancouver Magazine, Taloua, real weddings, Wedding Bells-Toronto, the knot and Modern Bride.

My lines always consist of 3 distinct areas. Classic Bridal, which are delicate and romantic designs in sterling, with crystals, Moonstone and Freshwater pearls in white or lavender. Evening, which are dramatic and beautiful, evoking the glamour of the past in Jet, Garnet and Hematite crystals. The third area is a fashion forward line, that parallels the trends of current designer collections. All of our designs are handmade for quality, and manufactured in Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

My goal is to create an exquisitely produced, beautifully classic line. Thanks for your support!

Kari Staten
Designer/Owner